Post navigation

Monday October 17th, 2016

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This is a peek into my room first thing in the morning. What are my students doing as they wait for the day to begin? Reading. Always reading. Makes me beyond happy.

We have continued to explore themes for our #classroombookadaytitles. What theme do you see in these titles?

Here it is pretty obvious – biographies of interesting men – thinkers, artists, problem solvers and heroes. Of course, biographies featuring women will be on the horizon.

I didn’t post last week even though I was reading – I have a pretty beautiful excuse: a road trip into the B.C. mountains:

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles written by Michelle Cuevas and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

So very, very beautiful even though it is like this book is brewed in loneliness and solitude. There is sadness and hope. Quiet. Space. Mysteries.

Hotel Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce just might be my favourite grump.

We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

Like many, I eagerly anticipated this title. Klassen is so unique. I love the subtle things here. The hints. The suggestions. The not neatly wrapped up ending. The room for readers to do some work.

I Will Not Eat You written by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Scott Magoon

Charming and sweet while still full of whimsy and fun.

Giant Squid written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Such a book. I love the images, the rhythm of the text and the mystery of the still not known that is conveyed.

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Oh, the kid appeal! I chuckled through this and did a lot of head shaking. There is one scene that involves a pile of dog poop that I know I never would have thought of – thankfully! But I am sure this will become a favourite page for some of my readers. This book is flying through my room. Kids LOVE the step by step drawing pages in the back.

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree: The Sea Pony by Ellen Potter and illustrated by Qin Leng

I adore Piper. She is one plucky kid whose energy makes her leap right off the page. Love that this series seems to stretch its appeal right into grade 4.

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

The fantasy and magical realism in this title didn’t really shine for me. I have loved Raina’s expertise in wading around in the everyday real of young characters. This story had me too distracted. I have also read the questions and concerns surrounding this title and its depiction of the Day of the Dead celebrations at the missions.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

How a story about a robot can be so tender, I don’t know. Heavily illustrated which makes it wonderfully rich.

Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson

I suppose that yes, we can call this a sad book. A teacher who is ill. Students who adore and miss her. But this is mostly a human book full of connection, compassion and everyday adventure and humour.

Loved Ms. Bixby to a ridiculous extent, and Anderson’s Insert Coin to Continue is EVEN BETTER! Dog Man is one my students like, but it worried me– basically, both the dog and the policeman die. The students don’t worry about that. Looks like you had a good week of reading and travel.

I’m looking forward to Hotel Bruce. I should read Dog Man since it is a hit with my students, but I just haven’t gotten to it yet. I loved Ms. Bixby and the Piper Green series is great. I’m not familiar with I Will Not Eat Yet but it looks good.

Love seeing your trip pics, glad that you had that time! Will certainly find Hotel Bruce, such whimsey! And several others, like ‘the uncorker of ocean bottles” are on my list & just haven’t gotten to them yet. Thanks, Carrie, and have a great week!

Oh, those are beautiful photos! Glad you had a great time.
I love how you described Bruce – he is definitely a lovable grump!
Thank you for writing about Ghosts. I saw your stars on goodreads, but never saw a comment (sometimes that happens if I see a rating right after it’s put in before the comments go in). I read it early this summer since I got a copy at ALA. I loved it and thought it was so layered. I loved the meaning behind the breathing and the ghosts. But so frequently as I read it, I read it quickly without asking questions. With all of the discussion about it now, it has made me think more. We went ahead and included the book on our list of Mock Newbery titles. When we meet in a couple of weeks, I’ll meet with the kids that read it and bring in some of the articles that have since been written. I think it will be a good discussion to have with students.

I also loved The Wild Robot. I read it last summer while ensconced in wild country far from nowhere. I finished up Ms Bixby’s last day in the last month or so, but it just didn’t work for me. If I could write a character half so fabulous as Piper Green I would consider myself successful! We are away this weekend enjoying the beauty of the Okanagan in the fall. The trip across through Manning Park was just spectacular!

You read some of our favorites this week. Mrs. Bixby is a book that touched our hearts and we just loved The Wild Robot. Your class gave Tammy’s all-time favorite picture book, The Quilt Maker’s Gift a good rating.

Great reading week! I also read Ms. Bixby this week and shared We Found a Hat with my 7th graders. We’d re-read the first two books, so it was interesting to see how they responding to this different finale. Loved your fall pics too!